Jean Baptiste Soileau, testamentary executor of the late André Deshautels, presents to the court that, by his last will and testament, Deshautels directed that eleven of his slaves be emancipated after his death and that his succession be divested of any title to their ownership. Soileau further presents that, in accordance with Deshautels's wishes, he has already given public notice of his intention to emancipate the slaves according to law and is prepared to file his bond to the Governor of the State of Louisiana, which will provide security in the amount of $1,000 for each slave. He vouches for the good character and behavior of the eleven slaves. He prays that the District Attorney for the Fifteenth Judicial District be served with a copy of his petition, that the late Deshautels's right to emancipate his slaves be recognized, and that the slaves be authorized to remain in the state. A related document reveals that Deshautels not only bequeathed freedom to his slaves but property and cash as well.
Result: Granted; reversed.
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Repository: St. Landry Parish Courthouse, Opelousas, Louisiana
